New to New York City?  Unsure of how to start looking for an apartment? Curious about where you can start making friends?  For many of these answers, you can turn to New York City newbie, Mary Hilton’s blog.  She made the move to the city from Washington D.C. a few years ago.  Living in New York City had been a dream of hers for a while, and once she made the move she found that her friends and family were extremely eager to know how she was doing and how she managed to make all of the logistics of her move work.  In an effort to appease her friends and keep fellow “newbies” informed, Mary started a blog.  Newbienyc is an excellent source for NYC-centric How To’s, local events, and posts that remind you why this city is so great.  So whether you’re a native or a newcomer there’s something to learn from checking out this blog!   

Tell us about your blog and how you got started?

When I moved to NYC about two years ago, my friends back in DC kept asking about life here. So to avoid telling the same stories time and again, I started my blog. It really just grew from there. I started getting questions on specifically how to move here – find housing, make friends, etc. so I added some ‘how to’ info. And as my passion is arts, culture and theater, I also found myself an avid critic. The blog kept me sane while looking for work and having so much free time on my hands. 

What brought you to New York? 

I’d always wanted to live here, yearned for it. I had three major turning points in a short space of time – the death of my mom, the end of a relationship, and hitting 40. I realized that if I didn’t live my dream now, it would never happen. So I quit my job in DC, put my belongings on Craig’s List, and just became a New Yorker.  

What do you love about living in New York?

Certainly the excitement and the culture. This is a city that makes you feel alive every single day. The freedom to be truly, authentically yourself. But really, it is the people that make New York so extraordinary. 

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

The ‘f-you’ attitude of ‘this is who I am, take it or leave it.’ And an unabashed loyalty to and love of the city. 

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

That at its heart, this city of 8 million really is a small town. There is a thread of connection that runs through all New Yorkers that is really quite extraordinary.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

The noise, excitement, and ability to get ice cream at three in the morning. 

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Accept every invitation without fail. You never know what you are in for. Someone may casually ask you to a gallery opening, and you find yourself among celebrities and your favorite artists. Go to an off-broadway show and you may wind up sitting next to the playwright. Most importantly, don’t be a wallflower. Talk to people, hear their stories, and connect. The only way to survive in this city is to have a personal and social network. 

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

I get a thrill every time I see the Empire State Building lit up in the skyline.  

Best place to dine late night?

Any diner. 

Best live music venue?

Cornelia Street Cafe. Or anywhere in Central Park in the summer.  

What’s the last cultural thing that you did?

The Peruvian movie ‘Oblivion’ at Film Forum, my favorite cinema in the city, followed by a walk around the Village for springtime people watching.  

Strangest/coolest NY experience you have ever had?

Being casually asked last-minute to a ‘little gathering’ at a Chelsea art gallery, showing up to discover a red carpet charity event where I got to interview Claire Danes for my blog. Again, accept every invitation, no matter how tired you are! 

Best area or neighborhood for fun on a budget?

The Lower East Side reminds me of the New York I fell in love with years ago. Raw in spots, there is an unbridled energy that has not been suppressed by chain stores or incongruous architecture. 

Best way to spot a trend?

For fashion, you’ll learn everything you need to know about coming trends across the country by people watching. Don’t fall into a dream state when walking to and from the subway, easy as it is to do. Look around, take in the people, and you’ll see patterns that will predict the next must-haves. 

What is the best advice you could give to someone who has just moved to New York City?

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For those people who in High School just missed being voted the hippest, liveliest, or most fun person in the grade, there is now a new site for them to redeem their past social misfortunes. Socially Superlative is a web journal that keeps itself in the know about the latest openings, parties, cultural events, and launches taking place throughout New York City. By staying on top of this site’s most recent posts, you will surely guarantee yourself the trophy title – Biggest Event Enthusiast – among your friends and co-workers! You can thank blog contributors Alice, Yvonne, and Mosaka in your acceptance speech.

What brought you to New York?

Mosaka: Native NYer; born and raised
Yvonne: A college education, which has since gone to waste.
Alice: Both Von and I went to NYU, which is one of the most expensive educations in the nation. Thus, we shamelessly mooched off the free food, booze and swag on the NYC party circuit after classes. Now SS lets us replace “shamelessly” with “legitimately with a press pass.”

What do you love about living in New York?

Mosaka: The nightlife, the parties, the fast paced environment, the fact that you can get anywhere in the city in less than 20 minutes, the fact that you can meet someone new everyday, the diversity, it’s energy, the fact that I can buy soy hotdogs from a street vender in Soho, the skyline at night, the fact that it is forever changing.
Yvonne: There are always people crazier than you.
Alice: The ridiculously high standards we hold restaurants to. I protest dinners at places with less than at 25 in Zagat.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Mosaka: Growing up here? (sorry I’m bias)
Alice: Someone who maximizes luxury by mixing high and low or expensive and cheap. Italian food is dinner is at Il Mulino and midnight snack at John’s Pizza, both in Greenwich Village. Red carpet outfits are composed of H&M, cheap vintage discoveries, but completed by irrational $500+ shoes. Having the same level of fun at the latest “it” club like 1Oak or Tenjune and frat-astic Brother Jimmy’s in Murray Hill but also never passing up apartment parties.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

Mosaka: Nothing really. New Yorkers have done and seen it all.
Alice: The ease of D-List fame, which is best defined as non-celebrities derisively spotlighted in Gawker. There are people who are known for just their blogs. If you’re getting rejected by invites from SS (sorry! many are not open to the public), then start writing about excruciating yet voyeuristic debauchery while being frequently photographed by the paparazzi.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

Mosaka: The parties!! And my yorkie Max.
Alice: Having too much to do. Boredom has yet to enter my vocabulary.
Yvonne: Accessibility to food 24/7

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Mosaka: Yes, make friends with bouncers, Dj’s, anyone and everyone who is in the know. Be friendly to people even if it is the waiter passing out drinks. These are actually some of my favorite people to talk to at events.
Alice: Tip graciously. You can skip lines at pretentious clubs by getting the doorman to remember you. I’ll start with event at a club, like Bijoux, so I get in by through the guestlist. Afterwards, I’ll introduce myself by giving a business card and thanking them for the service with a tip ($20 but I am a girl, boys should aim higher). When I go back and they let me skip the line, I’ll almost always thank and tip again at the end of the night. I’m frugal towards things for myself, but always a generous tipper for karmic service.
Yvonne: Talk to as many new people as you can.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Yvonne: Ice skating in Central Park’s Wollman Rink
Mosaka: Von stole mine

Best place to dine late night?

Mosaka: Wo Hop in Chinatown it’s open 24 hours! And look out for the picture of Gino!
Yvonne: Coffee Shop for their mac & cheese and cheese fries, or San Loco for nachos.
Alice: Cafeteria for grilled cheese on Texas toast. Any place in Koreatown (32nd between 5th Avenue and Broadway) for do-it-yourself barbeque and a side of japchae, which are Korean stir fried noodles with vegetables.

Best live music venue?

Mosaka: I used to go to Roseland a lot back in the day.
Yvonne: Not really the best venue, but my good friend performs at Spike Hill in Williamsburg for Thursday open mic night. Very chill, and fun to support your friends.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Mosaka: Fashion show at the Museum of Natural History?
Yvonne: Does seeing High School Musical 3 opening night count as “cultural?”

Strangest/ coolest NY experience you have ever had?

Alice: The most entertaining was an MTV Awards after party that was hosted by Wyclef John. My friend coquettishly waved to him and we all ended up dancing on stage. The rest is her story to tell…and I think he was married at the time. Celebrity encounters happen all the time, but rarely occurs outside of NYC, am I right? The strangest NY experience was at Deep when we wandered into the VIP section where the owners’ girlfriends invited us to join their table. The owners were all a “family” with names Vinny, Danny, and Tommy and one guy responded to the “what do you do question” with “creative loans.”

Best area or neighborhood for fun on a budget?

Mosaka: Anywhere in New York just read the event section on Socially Superlative..we’ll take care of you!
Yvonne: East Village is steadily becoming more expensive, but you can still find great deals.
Alice: Chinatown; dim sum is rarely more than $10 a person and you are stuffed. For free dessert, go next door to Aji Ichiban, a candy store with tons of weird dried seafood samples.

Best way to spot a trend (this can apply to a trendy new band, new restaurant, hairstyle… anything, really)?

Mosaka: I don’t really follow trends or the next “it” thing I play by own rules. I am actually pretty clueless when it comes to stuff like that. I didn’t even know what a blog was until January of this year when I started reading Dlisted which is the only other blog I read. There are writers on my site who read multiple blogs so they help me stay in the loop, but sometimes they mention names of people in their reviews and I have no idea who these people are. Like I said I am pretty clueless.
Yvonne: Copy your cool friends!

What are some of your favorite New York City events?

Post A Comment And Let Us Know!

What started as an innovative way for a public relations company to utilize the internet, has become an all encompassing source for arts and entertainment events in NYC. Termeh Mazhari not only uses New York Buzz to promote and endorse her PR clients, but also posts reviews of new shows, interviews with trendsetters, and info for all sorts of art exhibits. And Mazhari wants to hear from you. If you went to the Francisca Bastos Jewelry Show or caught a performance of Celebrity Autobiography at the Triad, tell her about it. If you want to spread the word about an event of your own, shoot her an email. Log on to see what all the buzz is about!

Tell us about your blog: New York Buzz is a perso-professional blog that reaches out to New Yorkers who want to hear about cool new happenings in their city (and occasionally beyond). I first launched the blog in April, 2008, soon after AMP3 Public Relations (an A&E-focused PR firm in NYC) hired me as their social media publicist.

The initial purpose of the blog was to offer an up-close-and-personal portrait of our clients (most of whom are in the entertainment industry), but it also featured their latest news and events. In September 2008, I decided to open up my blog to non-clients. So now, anyone who has an interesting New York event they want to promote can just shoot me an email and I might feature it on my blog.

What brought you to New York?

I work in the city, but actually live in Great Neck, Long Island, which is only a 22 minute express train ride away from Penn Station. I came to New York from Philadelphia in search of better work opportunities and a more exciting, multicultural environment. Does moving to New York ever really need a reason though?

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Well, the obvious answer would be ATTITUDE – and, although that’s certainly true, I’d also add that it’s their open-mindedness and willingness to think outside the box.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

The late-night store hours! It truly is the city that never sleeps.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

I like to browse New York Magazine’s Sales & Bargain section for info on upcoming sample sales at clothing stores. I’m also surprised that more people aren’t aware that most NYC museums have “pay what you wish” days – check out here for details.

And lately, I’ve been loving Restaurant.com. They have hundreds of Manhattan restaurants in their database and you can get discounted coupons for dirt cheap! (another secret: there’s almost always a discount code to make the coupons even cheaper!). I just bought a 25 dollar coupon for only 4 dollars!

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

The Flatiron building! I walk by it every single day on my way to work and it never ceases to take my breath away! It’s simply stunning.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

I went to see Celebrity Autobiography at the Triad theater! Abso-friggin-hilarious! Kristen Johnston’s spot-on reading of Zsa Zsa Gabor’s autobiography almost made me wet my pants!

Best area or neighborhood for fashion steals?

SoHo! On Broadway, between Canal and Houston – lots of small boutiques with great, fun finds that won’t break your wallet!

www.newyorkbuzz.org

What is Your New York Buzz?

Tell us all about it!

Scott Lipps has dedicated himself to making you almost as cool as he is. He has created a blog to bring you what he calls “Fast Forward Pop Culture.” It is a one-stop reference guide for everything new and cool in pop culture. Scott spends hours researching everything from what you should buy to where you should eat and what you should watch. And, of course, only the newest Macbook, newest fashion line at H&M, newest play to hit Broadway, newest art book, and newest food event make thenewblog.

Tell us about your blog and how you got started? I used to read countless things looking and seeking out all the hot new things in pop culture and tearing things out of every kind of publication I could get my hands on. Thus, I saw a necessity to have all this info under one roof, hence the newblog.

What brought you to New York?

I was a rock n roll drummer playing in a very popular LA band called Black Cherry… we featured Paul Black, the singer of LA Guns. I had an injury and started working in management and next thing you know, a few years later, came to NY to partner in a modeling agency. Now One Management is becoming a great entertainment company with branches in fashion, film and music.

What do you love about living in New York?

I love the urgency and excitement of NY. It’s like no other city. But I have to be honest, it can also wear you out if you go out as much as I do… lol.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

Honesty and integrity, that’s all about NY. NYers are a breed unto themselves.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

You can pass the same street 5 times and see something new all the time. There is so much to see and do here culturally that you never feel like you’ve exhausted all your options.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

I miss hopping in a cab and jumping from place to place, and the energy in the streets. Love the west side, Battery Park too. It feels like I’m in another city, not to mention the amazing food and culture.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

The best tips? Read thenewblog.net!!!!! I spend hours on researching what’s hot, new and happening in cities like NY and it all comes to you free of charge!!

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Never done one in NY, but I’d have to say those cheesy tourist buses. I took one in London and I was able to see things I probably would have missed on other trips. Cheesy, but fun.

Best place to dine late night?

Love Sushi Seki. Although I haven’t hit it too many late nights, apparently it’s open real late.

Best live music venue?

Still like Irving Plaza or the Fillmore, but I feel like the time is right for a new music venue! Stay tuned for details…

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

Probably the Chappelle show at the Shifrazi gallery!

Best people watching?

Bar Pitti, always a good scene.

What is the newest, hottest thing in New York we should know about?

Where do we start? So many… I have to refer back to my blog. You’ll hear about lots of the NEW best stuff around.

Best place to throw a party?

Have to go with my home away from home at the Gramercy Park Hotel Rose Bar, always family night for me.

www.thenewblog.net

What’s Your Newest and Hottest NY Discovery?
Tell us all about it!

Nana-Oye Addo-Yobo entered the blogosphere in 2006 as the publisher of Freedom Love-Fest, an online magazine that features free and affordable events in New York City. Motivated by her passion for international relations and conflict prevention across the globe, she has also worked for the Council on Foreign Relations and the Legon Centre for International Affairs at the University of Ghana – organizing international conferences, study tours, and events to explore and actualize the possibilities of obtaining sustainable peace and preventing conflicts. This socially conscious bargain hunter was recently featured in Uptown Magazine’s Winter ‘08 issue on Philanthropy as an agent of change for her Goal6 initiative. If you’re seeking inexpensive fun with a conscience, Nana-Oye and Freedom Love-Fest just might be for you!

We spoke with Nana-Oye, Freedom Love-Fest’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, to learn what New Yorkers can do for fun…even when funds are tight!

Tell us about your blog: What is the premise, what are your main coverage areas and how did you get started? One of the reasons why I live in the city is to take advantage of and enjoy all of the wonderful and enriching cultural, musical, artistic events, and happenings in every zip code in New York City. So in the past I would send an e-blast to family and friends to tell them about a compelling and fun event that I found and invite them to attend. I have a diverse range of friends and whether they are doctors, investment bankers, lawyers, professors, artists, or fundraisers, everyone was looking for free and affordable events to go to in order to help them broaden their options and stretch their dollars to enjoy as much as they can in the big Apple.

About two years ago, I was exploring different ideas to publish an events-related blog and I came up with the idea to turn my informal e-blast into a blog and since free and affordable events were well received by everyone, it just became a great vehicle to bring all types of people together regardless of what they can afford. So my blog, Freedom Love-Fest, became a celebration, a love-fest, for anyone and everyone who wanted to be financially free to enjoy everything New York City has to offer.

In addition, I am also a freelance event producer and I have many friends that are performing in or producing events, festivals, and projects around the city and this was a great way to help spread the good word, keep in touch with people, and meet new people in the arts and entertainment and events fields.

For Freedom Love-Fest (FLF), everyday, I select 3-4 events, mainly after work and weekend events that I would like to attend or find interesting and fresh and new. I cover all the boroughs but I must say that definitely Manhattan and Brooklyn have the most free and affordable events on a daily basis.

The motto of FLF is that it is for all New Yorkers; whether they make $200K or more, or $30K or less. I understand that our beloved city is an expensive place to live and everyone has bills and financial responsibilities, perhaps an upcoming costly wedding or vacation, saving for a rainy day, or might just be lovers of frugality. Whatever the case FLF answers a common need and helps all New Yorkers enjoy the culture, art, music, entertainment, and landscape of New York at little or no expense.

What brought you to New York?

Actually I’m from Westchester Country, I was raised in Hartsdale, New York but as soon as I was old enough to jump on the Metro North, New York City was calling me to it and I was at its doorstep any chance I could get. When you’re young and curious about the world, in this country, New York City is a great place to start that exploratory journey. It’s the personality of the city and its cultural diversity as well as its artistic talents that draw me ever so closely to it.

What do you love about living in New York?
I definitely love the arts and culture of the city such as the wide array of different music concerts, restaurants, dance performances, and cultural events. On top of that the United Nations is here and it is truly an international center for world politics and culture. The complexity of the city is unique in the world and compelling. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that my backyard, Central Park, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and on the weekends, I can go kayaking for free on the Hudson. What more could a girl ask for?

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

I don’t think that there is a stereotypical New Yorker, which is great! But one thing I believe all New Yorkers have in common is that they stay in ‘awe’ of the city and are captivated by its personality, willingly embracing the challenges of being in New York. The city is every New Yorker’s great waxing and waning love affair and we take the good and the bad together and it remains an unforgettable experience.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

New York has a beautiful landscape, the hills, valleys, parks, shores, and magnificent views from a bridge or skyscraper are always captivating. Beyond the concrete of the city, if you walk around the boroughs, you will always find a quiet and beautiful space “a best kept secret” that you never saw before. From the Bronx to Staten Island, it is always surprisingly beautiful and inspirational.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

I miss the diversity of art and music events, everyday, all year round, in every Borough. I lived abroad for two years and I definitely missed Central Park, Summerstage, the Guggenheim, the Studio Museum, the Joyce Theater, and breezy evening walks on Central Park West when all is well and quiet.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?

Visit Freedom Love-Fest on a daily basis of course! A little trick I often tell people is to use FLF as a way to curate a great affordable date with quality and creative time built into it. For example, on any given Sunday you could do the following (and all for free):

From 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Pack a lunch and start your date either Kayaking on the Hudson at West 72nd Street or hiking on the Tree-mendous Hike in Crotona Park in the Bronx, all for free.

From: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Bring a blanket and listen to a live concert on the Harlem Meer such as a local artist, Raquel Lima, the Queen of Bossanova, for free.

From 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Pack a dinner picnic and find a spot to eat somewhere on Hudson River Park then join the party and dance the night away under the stars with live music from New York’s hottest dance bands on Hudson River Park’s Pier 54, for free.

Post 8:30 PM
If you want to grab dessert and a drink in a cozy and comfortable place, venture to the Village and stop by Shade on West 3rd and order a dessert crepe starting at $6 or so.

I recommend if you do this for a date, you will really get to know someone or just spend interactive and quality time with your dearly beloved. Plus you can save a buck a two for tickets to the Opera or a Broadway show at a later point.

So, if you stop by Freedom Love-Fest, you can always curate a date and good times for free abound!

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

I’m probably not the best person to answer this question because I love being a tourist and I am the type of person that will buy a tourist guidebook with an attached pen holder and stick a yellow highlighter in it and post-its to help me outline what I need to see. For example, it doesn’t matter how many times I visit London, I will go on tours again and again. Nothing is really corny to me. There is one tourist attraction that perhaps the average New Yorker overlooks and that is the Circle Line. When I was younger, family members from various points on the globe would come to New York to visit and I somehow was designated the family representative that would take our guests on a Circle Line cruise. So I don’t know how many times I’ve been on the Circle Line but it is always a great, relaxing, and worthwhile experience.

Best place to dine late night?

I really like Boucarou in the Lower East Side. It’s a nouveux West African/Asian Fusion restaurant with late night DJs that spins really great music. The owner of the restaurant, Patrice Bihina, used to be a NYC party promoter and is a foodie, so he wants people to eat and drink well and party at the same time. One stop shopping…

Best music venue?

It is a split tie between B.B. Kings Bar and Grill on 42nd Street and the Sounds of Brazil on Varick Street. It would be impossible for me to decide between the two venues. They both offer a little bit of something for everyone in New York from Basement Bhangra with DJs Rekha and Phil Money and Salsa lessons at SOBs to Sunday Gospel Brunch, hoofing with Savion Glover, and rocking with oldies like Chuck Berry and Pat Benatar at B.B. Kings. These two venues are one stop shopping for music and dance lovers.

I also must make a special mention for free and affordable music events and recommend Rose Live Music in Williamsburg. What great programming! Every week there is something different from Monday Night Soul Sessions with percussionist Chauncey Yearwood and the best of Colombian music at Nueva Colombia nights. Rose Live Music is a must to bookmark in one’s calendar.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

I always look forward to Summerstage in Central Park. It is a staple and important part of my summers in New York City. The programming is amazing and I recently attended a concert featuring Vieux Farka Toure, Fallou Dieng, Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat, and DJ Sirak. It rained, the sun came out, it rained again but it didn’t deter anyone from staying and enjoying the concert.

Best place to people watch?

The Hudson River waterfront at West 72nd Street is a great place to people watch. You can just bring a blanket, sit, relax, and watch people walk or skate up and down the boardwalk.

Best tip for thrifty yet tasty eats?

Free chocolate demonstration with Mr. Chocolate himself, Chef Jacques Torres at his downtown store on Hudson Street is a great way to fit in a tasty treat and learn a trick of the trade at the same time.

I’m also a fan of Roti Roll Bombay Frankie and its Dive Bar next door on Amsterdam Avenue. They have great Indian sandwiches starting at $3; then you can walk into their dive bar (no cover), get a drink and sit and eat your roti. Then eventually venture onto their small dance floor with a disco ball from the 70’s spinning around. It is a surprising good time and open to 2am in the morning.

Best new place to discover new art or artists?

Yet another tie…

Lava Gina is a great place to discover new World Music artists. It is a small venue without a stage and dance floor, sort of like the size of an average New York city apartment. While you are there, sitting by the bar before you know it, there is an amp and someone next to you is grabbing a microphone and singing with some dancers. Talk about up close and personal! You can really feel like you are part of the show. It is great!

I am a little biased because I used to work at the Apollo Theater but I must say the non-televised Wednesday Amateur Nights at the Apollo is a traditional platform for artists from all over the world and throughout the country. It’s a raucous good time and only brave and confident artists grace the stage on a regular Wednesday night. Now that is real talent in itself.

freedomlovefest.typepad.com

How do you make the most of New York?

Post a comment below and give some lip about the city’s coolest zips.

Wouldn’t it be cool if you had a friend who always knew what to order at that new French place, which movies are worth the 12 bucks, or what’s happening on any given night of the week? Well, the neighborbee blog wants to be that friend. Founder Anthony Lobosco gathered an intrepid group of “drones” to help you make the most of the five-borough hive we all call home. Contributors can help find a hot new band to check out, tell fans how to get their sports on without going to a game, even recommend the city’s best flea markets. With friends like these, you’ll be busy as a bee.

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started?

neighborbeeblog is affiliated with neighborbee.com, which is an internet startup whose purpose is to bring every part of your neighborhood online, from your apartment building to your local bakery (neighborbee is currently in an invite-only beta, and will be launched shortly).

neighborbeeblog was started to highlight all the great things going on in new york city, whether it’s a new boutique or a book signing. We have (thus far) 16 columnists who cover comedy, music, events, fashion, dating, manhattan, film, sports, art, brooklyn, books, food, theater, nightlife, kids & family, and real estate.

What do you love about living in New York?
I love the fact that there is always something going on, always something new to do. - Doug, Sports

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Understanding the weekend service changes for the subway, which seem to be out of control lately!
- Amanda, Events

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
They’re generally a well-mannered bunch. -Afroblanco, Music

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
I miss feeling like a member of the masses — you know, being able to walk out at any time of night, even if it’s 4am, and see other people. Even though those people are sometimes creepy, it’s nice to see that they’re there. - Kat, Books

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
Work from home. - Angela, Fashion

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Riding the Staten Island Ferry. -Nick, Nightlife/Photography

Best neighborhood bar?
Professor Thom’s (East Village) - Chris, Manhattan

Best late night joint?
I love a late night run to Crif Dogs, even though on most visits I’m not even eating anything. You’re pretty much guaranteed to bump into a fun mix of characters here as other places begin to shut down.
– Lara, Food

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
Park Avenue Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn. So amazingly delicious, and the fact that the menu and decor changes with the season gives you a reason to go back four times a year. Plus, if you do, the waitstaff totally remember you. -Adam, Comedy

Best place to meet members of the opposite sex?
Through friends or a social activity/group, particularly kickball. All of my friends who play have dated at least one other person from the league. It may seem incestuous, but you really can’t argue with the results. -Kate, Managing Editor

Best live entertainment venue?
The subway, those breakdancing kids are so cute! Also I love the comedians on the A when you come home on a Sat or Sun after midnight, they’re perfect for hangovers. - Stephanie, Kids & Family

www.neighborbeeblog.com

How do you spend your free time?

Post a comment below and give us some buzz.